EXPERT ADVICE

The 6 Families Keeping American Style Alive

Mike Rancourt

7 of 18

When Mike started making shoes with his father Dave in the eighties, neither of them expected to pass along a large company to the next generation. "Direct consumer sales were such a challenge at that time," says Mike. "You'd have to invent a catalogue." That's why the family focus remained on private label collaborations with large companies looking to gain credibility by selling traditional boat shoes and moccasins. The big shift came in 2010, when Mike and his son Kyle decided to found their own brand and reach out directly to consumers. The plan worked and the family factory in Lewiston, Maine has been humming ever since. According to Mike, the demand for made-to-order men's shoes is on its way up.